Well, this was a disappointment - the mystery just sort of fizzles and flops at the end. It made for unsatisfying reading.

This is the second book in the MSW series, and Donald Bain is still finding his footing, but he at least creates a cozy mystery atmosphere, and I think he has a good bead on Cabot Cove. Jessica is a bit more bumbling and frumpy (and consumes more alcohol) than her TV-counterpart, but there was a bit of early canon goodness with her disguise to go spying at the jazz club. The big mistake in this one is that she apparently has red hair.

Seth sounded about right. Mort was totally written wrong, though - no way would he parade around NYC in his Cabot Cove sheriff's uniform. He's from those mean streets, and his perspective on the whole Waldo situation would've been a lot different than written, I feel.

This was a pleasant read right up until the end. I have read #3 Rum and Razors, and it is about as different a ride from this as you can possibly imagine! ( )

This episode was one of the first few in the Murder, She Wrote series and you can tell Donald Bain was figuring out his characters. The ending of the story did not match the Murder, She Wrote environment. It was a fine ending for another mystery, but it did not fit Murder, She Wrote. I liked the New York backdrop and the characters were definitely developing. I enjoyed it and I definitely see the potential the series has in this episode. ( )

While I was not entirely thrilled with the conclusion of the mystery, I find that Jessica Fletcher continues to be a charming character who is a pleasure to read about. The story takes place in New York City over the holidays, so the book was more of a pleasurable read for this time of year. ( )

It's always fun to visit with an old friend, and Jessica Fletcher seems like one of those because of the Murder, She Wrote television series. This particular installment in the book series was an episode or a movie because I could completely visualize most of the plot as it was taking place, including the building. Jessica has gone to New York before Christmas to promote her latest book when she happens upon a Santa who looks a lot like a person from Cabot Cove who had entered the witness protection program. He asks her to meet him the next day, but when she does, she witnesses a shooting. Almost immediately officers and a narcotics detective are on the scene. Suddenly she's getting more publicity than she wants. Even though this one is set in New York, it features appearances by Dr. Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger of Cabot Cove. It wasn't my favorite episode when it aired, and it's not my favorite book in the series either, but it is a comfort read and enjoyable when you want something a little lighter for the holidays. ( )

It's the Christmas season, and Jessica Fletcher is in New York to promote her latest book. Although they say no publicity is bad publicity, Jessica gets her share of unwelcome media attention when she is first on the scene at several murders. Can Jessica solve the case in time for Christmas? Back-up from Cabot Cove friends Dr. Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger will help.

The mystery isn't particularly well developed. There are surprisingly few suspects for an increasingly complicated series of crimes and attempted crimes. However, if you're a fan of the television series, the book will feel like a visit with old friends. As I read, I visualized the story as an episode of the TV series. In fact, I felt like it was one I had seen at some point. A comfort read. ( )